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Juvenile rated 'Big Red' by Jim Kjelgaard – This book is right up there with Betsy Byars - ‘My Dog My Hero’ (2000) and Wilson Rawls - ‘Where The Red Fern Grows’ (1996); ideal for young boys 8 to 13 years of age. Be forewarned that some of the written English is early American, i.e., appropriate for the era but back woods English or slang. The story of Big Red can also be seen by signing out a Disney DVD (2000) from the Ottawa Public Library. However, a comment on the DVD from another patron of the Ottawa Public Library was not very flattering, e.g., “the best acting was done by the cougar.” Still, do not let the movie deter you from enjoying a very nice book for children. Regretfully, one of Kjelgaard’s very best novels and a book that I loved so much as a boy, ‘Fire Hunter,’ is no longer available at our Library. Senior Doctor-at-Bass! D. A.

Summary

This charming woodsman story is centered around Danny Pickett and his beloved dog, Red. Danny falls in love with Red, who is owned by a wealthy neighbor. This kindly neighbor, Mr. Haggin, allows Danny to help with the care of Red, even allowing Danny to take care of Red in his own cabin. Eventually, Danny must make the hard decision of allowing Red to hunt a killer bear or keeping him a show dog. Interwoven in the story are tales of hunting savage animals, tender emotions, and final victory over the wild.

"Called runt, misfit, and troublemaker, Big Red's son Mike escapes from a training kennel to join the two men he loves in their forest retreat and proves he has the intelligence and skill expected of the offspring of a famous Irish setter." (Novelist Review)